Domestic Wood Heater Smoke

Wood heaters have been found to be a major contributor to the growing particulate pollution (haze) problem in the Perth metropolitan area. The management of wood fire smoke is an important factor in the long-term management of Perth’s air quality, and the minimisation of any adverse health impacts.

The City’s Health Service investigates complaints regarding excessive smoke being emitted from domestic wood heaters. Wood heaters that are working efficiently and burning brightly will reduce the amount of smoke produced and minimize nuisance smoke to surrounding properties.

Here are some tips for correct wood heater operation:

Always run your heater on high for 20 to 25 minutes when starting up or refuelling.

Do not overfill your heater. This results in poor air circulation creating smoke.

Add paper if coals are nearly out when refueling. This creates an ignition source.